Scattering of Human Remains in WA
The Washnington Department of Licensing (DOL) has addressed the scattering of cremated human remains in the following manner.
Processed cremated human remains, sometimes called ashes, are a sanitary natural substance.
You may scatter cremated remains on:
- National Parks after receiving permission from the Chief Park Ranger.
- State Trust Uplands after receiving permission from the regional manager for each scattering. However, scattering by commercial scattering services is not permitted.
- Public navigable waters under state control, including Puget Sound, the Pacific Ocean within the three-mile limit, rivers, streams and lakes.
- The Pacific Ocean beyond the three-mile limit. (These scatterings must be reported within 30 days to the Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101.)
- Private land with the permission of the land owner.
Do not drop or throw the urn containing the cremated remains. Scatter only the contents.
Pour the cremated remains out of the container and dispose of the container separately. There is usually a second identification label and/or a numbered metal disc inside the container. Keep this and dispose of it separately with the container.
